A preliminary investigation into the devastating fire that killed 21 people at a hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar has pointed to a short circuit in the building’s internal wiring as the likely cause of the blaze, according to Delhi Police sources.
Initial findings have ruled out the possibility of an LPG cylinder explosion, despite cylinders being present in two kitchens operating within the hotel premises.
The fire broke out at Flourish Stay B&B on Wednesday morning, leaving 21 people dead and several others injured.
The incident is among the deadliest hotel fires reported in the national capital in recent years.
Sources said the intensity and speed with which the flames engulfed the building suggested an electrical fault rather than a gas-related explosion.
Officials further noted that fires typically spread with such ferocity when a short circuit occurs within a building’s internal wiring network.
The exact point of origin and technical details were still being examined by forensic experts, but investigators currently believe the electrical system played a central role in triggering the tragedy.
TWO KITCHENS HAD LPG CYLINDERS
Police sources revealed that the hotel had two kitchens operating inside the building, one in the basement and another on the top floor.
LPG cylinders were stored and used in both kitchens at the time of the incident.
However, investigators have found no evidence of any explosion involving the cylinders.
Meanwhile, the police and forensic teams continued their examination of the gutted hotel building on Thursday.
According to news agency PTI, the area around the structure remained cordoned off as teams from Delhi Police, the crime branch, and forensic experts collected evidence and attempted to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the disaster.
Investigators were examining multiple aspects of the case, including the origin of the fire, the manner in which it spread and whether any structural or safety violations contributed to the high number of casualties.
A police officer told PTI that residents, shopkeepers, hotel staff and other witnesses were being questioned as part of the ongoing investigation.
ALLEGED SAFETY VIOLATIONS UNDER SCANNER
The probe has also widened to include possible violations of building regulations and fire safety norms.
It has been known that the establishment had permission to operate only six rooms, but was allegedly functioning with around 25 rooms, including accommodation facilities in the basement.
Authorities were also verifying reports that additional floors may have been constructed without obtaining the required approvals.
QUESTIONS OVER EVACUATION MEASURES
Officials were further examining allegations that certain features of the building may have hampered evacuation efforts after the fire broke out.
These include reports of sealed windows, a single entry-exit point and a sensor-operated main door.
Investigators were attempting to determine whether these factors trapped occupants inside the building as smoke and flames rapidly spread through the premises.
Many of those staying at the hotel were reportedly foreign nationals who had come to Delhi for medical treatment or to accompany relatives receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.
OWNER ARRESTED
Delhi Police have arrested hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj in connection with the incident.
A case has been registered under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, mischief by fire, damage to property and negligent acts endangering human life.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing and that forensic findings, witness statements and technical assessments will be crucial in establishing the final cause of the blaze and fixing accountability for the tragedy.
Source: News18